Teaming up with Pangea to make our communities brighter
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Pangea Insurance Brokers Ltd, which has given a major uplift to the charity’s work in raising awareness and funds for its vital work with local families.
Friends of the Family has a simple mission – to support and empower parents and children to overcome adversity, helping them embrace the future with confidence. As a small independent broker, Pangea are passionate about supporting local causes, and successfully entered the charity into the Aviva Broker Community Fund, securing £10,000 for Friends of the Family. At a time when the cost of living is having a huge impact on communities nationwide, this funding has been a huge boost to Friends of the Family enabling them to continue their vital work at a time when the need has never been greater.
This funding will contribute towards the costs of all three of the charity’s programmes: the ‘Mums and Young Children’ group, which provides specialist group counselling and play therapy to mums and their pre-schoolers; the befriending service for children aged between 5 and 13 years; and the ‘Support for Dads’ service, which helps dads rebuild their relationships with their children from prison.
Mick* is one local father who’s been supported by the organisation’s ‘Support for Dads’ programme. He turned to crime after facing a series of challenges including PTSD, the sudden death of his wife, and the abuse of his stepdaughter by her father, which left him feeling desperate. Friends of the Family’s counsellor supported Mick with his transition from prison back into the community, where he is now re-established and rebuilding his life with full custody of his son.
The money will also help mums like Nicky, who escaped domestic violence and has recently been rehoused to Winchester. A befriender was matched with her 6-year-old son to help him through the transition. Simple outings for a hot chocolate and a board game, or a play in the park have helped build his self-esteem and settle into his new community.
The award was accepted by Friends of the Family Trustee, Graham Jacobs, alongside Michael Piper from Pangea Insurance Brokers. Graham said, ‘This funding is a huge win for the Winchester community. Despite being perceived as an affluent area, there are pockets of deprivation, and escalating prices and a growing mental health crisis are causing pain here just as they are everywhere. There are families in our district who need us more than ever. It is wonderful that our work, has been recognised and supported by Michael and the team at Pangea Insurance and the Aviva Broker Community Fund.’
Michael Piper added, ‘This charity’s cause resonates across all our team – put simply, everyone has a family. Many of us are lucky to have children. No matter what your family set-up, everyone experiences issues and challenges in family life at one point or another. We are fortunate – we have a network to help us through difficult times, be it family, friends, colleagues, a supportive work environment in addition to job security. I am proud to champion this cause in my business because the stories and experiences of those the charity helps strikes a chord with all of us”.
To find out how you can support Friends of the Family go to www.fotfwinchester.org/support-us or email: contactus@fotfwinchester.org.
